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Obituaries

Dan Witt

05/08/1949 - 03/30/2016

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Obituary For Dan Witt

Dan Witt of Sherman, TX, age 66, passed away peacefully in his home on March, 30 2016. By his side was his ever faithful and loving dog, Jenny. Dan was born May 8 th , 1949 to Lena Noah Witt and James Henderson Witt. He loved his parents and younger sister Sally Shelton dearly and was a faithful son and brother until his parents passing in 2011 and 2014. There can be no doubt that Dan made the most of his 66 years on this earth. As a young boy and eventual teenager growing up in Sherman, he had a number of treasured friendships, many of which lasted up until his sudden passing. Dan was as well known for his deep passions for music (Beatles/Stones) and movies (Ordinary People/LA Confidential) as he was for his love of sports (Cowboys/Mavericks/Baylor) and History (well, all of it). After attending SMU, he moved out west to California. Hoping to pursue a career in the entertainment business, he worked a number of jobs, attempting to break into the industry anyway he could. It was in those years that he met his first wife, Daphne, at a party in Westwood. Her adorable ponytail and warm personality quickly won his affection and the couple eventually married and moved back to Dallas. There, she gave birth to Dan’s only child, Cody, in April, 1986. Yearning to give Hollywood another chance, Dan moved back to Los Angeles in the late 80’s. That’s when he met his second wife, Rama, a fellow screenwriter with whom he would eventually share an amazing 15 years with. This time, Dan’s dreams of making it in the entertainment industry came true. He worked on numerous television and film projects as both a producer and screenwriter, sharing credits with a variety of renowned directors and actors. He even earned 2 Emmy Award nominations in both the Best Song and Best Film categories. Dan moved back to his beloved Sherman in late 2012 to take care of his mother, Lena, until her passing in June 2014. He was very proud to permanently return and live out the rest of his life in the town he called home for so many years. Dan considered himself a Bearcat for life. He is survived by his son Cody Witt, sister Sally Shelton, brother-in-law Mike Shelton, niece Sara Shelton, and stepson Dash Kirby. Also his aunt, Nancy Witt, cousins, Gary and Arlene Witt, Beverly and Kerry Wootten, Jimmy and Alyson Witt, and Jimmy and Cheryl Stewart. A Celebration of Life Service will be Tuesday, April 5, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. in the First United Methodist Church, Sherman, Texas officiated by Reverend Tom Flick of the church. For those interested in making a donation, two of Dan's favorites were ARF House (3377 Spalding Rd., Sherman, TX 75092) and Grand Central Station Soup Kitchen (PO Box 3173, Sherman, TX 75091. He was a shining light in the lives of all those who knew him. Rest In Peace, Dan. We love you, forever. Arrangements are under the direction of Dannel Funeral Home, Sherman, Texas.

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Condolences

  • 04/06/2016

    Janet Butler

    Thoughts and prayers are sent to Sally and family during this time and the days to come, in the loss of her precious brother and friend, Dan. ~ Janet Butler, Arlington, Texas

  • 04/06/2016

    Denise Galik

    Dan You were our best friend and everything reminds you of all the great times we had with you....Europe ,pizza nights no one can replace you Love Denise Gaik ~ Denise Galik, Los Angeles, California

  • 04/06/2016

    Butch Panter

    I haven't seen Dan sense high school. When I was 14 yrs old Dan let me drive his motor scooter. For 3 days. I'll never forget. At that time Dan was my hero. ~ Butch Panter

  • 04/06/2016

    I'm so sorry to hear this news about Dan. He was a very bright writer in Hollywood and enjoyed storytelling. On top of that, his talents with the musical combo- The Marquees was undeniable. Rest in peace Dan. Rick Tocquigny

  • 04/06/2016

    Stephen Rogers

    I waited on Dan and his mother and father for the past 8 years at Panera Bread. I was shocked to hear of Dan's death.I remember in 2010 when his father fell ill and shared with his mother about the struggle. Then I visited with Lena until she passed. Now that Dan has passed, I don't have them to visit with. I sure remember them all as fine people. Very kind to everyone. They are all part of the Panera crowd. God Bless, Steve Rogers ~ Stephen Rogers, Sherman, Texas

  • 04/06/2016

    Sara Edwards

    I knew Dan at SMU when I roomed with his sister Sally back in the 70's. Our friendship re-kindled out in LA 40 years later. He was such a kind and loving guy with a dry sense of humor that made me cry from laughter. Now I am just crying that he is gone. Peace be yours Dan. You deserve it. And prayers and love to your family. ~ Sara Edwards, Pasadena, California

  • 04/05/2016

    Kay Gilliland-Webster

    Such a good guy gone too soon. Rest in Eternal Peace. ~ Kay Gilliland-Webster, Athens, Texas

  • 04/05/2016

    Rhonda Byler

    Such sadness for the family and all that knew him. I hadn't seen him for years and years, but my heart still hurts for the kind man that he was. ~ Rhonda Byler, Farmington, Arkansas

  • 04/05/2016

    Debra Burton Davenport

    I am so grateful for the 36 years I had the privilege of being your friend. You hold a special place in my heart, and that will never change. I miss you already, but I know you will live on in the hearts of the family and friends who cherish their memories of the joy and especially the laughter you brought to all our lives. Goodbye, dear friend. ~ Debra Burton Davenport, Columbia, South Carolina

  • 04/05/2016

    Janis Roberts Thompson

    Dano loved the movies. Whether it was Urban Cowboy, Butch Cassidy, or The Graduate, we would go to the Texas Theater and watch the same movie several times. He loved critiquing the scenes, the dialog, and the acting. So many fun memories, from The Marquees to Glenn and the Buttermilk. Love to his family and my dear friends- Cody, Sally, Sara and Mike and to precious Jenny. Janis ~ Janis Roberts Thompson, Sherman, Texas

  • 04/04/2016

    Joe Fawcett

    Dan, I'll never forget the time you took time out from your busy production schedule in Hollywood to have lunch with me and graciously share valuable insights on writing and producing movies. ~ Joe Fawcett, Richardson, Texas

  • 04/04/2016

    Martha Hovers

    Dan, you were a good friend to me and the dogs of ARFhouse. You always shared with the animals. Jenny was the dog you and your sweet mother adopted from us. I trust a family member is making a place for Jenny. I'm so glad you attended our open house in the fall. We will miss your visits. ~ Martha Hovers, Sherman, Texas

  • 04/03/2016

    BARBARA FIORE-WILLIAMS

    DAN, I WILL ALWAYS MISS YOU... YOU ARE EVER LOVED BARB ~ BARBARA FIORE-WILLIAMS, SHERMAN, Texas

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